A HYDE boxing club where the late Ricky Hatton started out is understood to be facing closure, prompting an urgent campaign in a bid to save it.
Hyde & District Amateur Boxing Club, formerly known as Luverlite, has served generations of young people and families across Tameside.
Now, with the club seemingly under threat of demolition, supporters fear the loss of what they describe as far more than just a gym.
The club runs boxing sessions for all ages and abilities and has been credited with helping steer young men away from crime by offering discipline, structure and a sense of purpose.
Its most famous alumnus is local boxing hero Ricky Hatton, who began his journey in the sport at the Hyde club before going on to world titles and international acclaim, prior to his death in September at the age of 46.
Land on Ward Street – close to where the boxing club stands – is one of several small plots of council land which the authority’s executive cabinet recently voted to include it in its list of surplus assets to be sold off.
A petition calling for the club to be saved has been launched by local resident Paul Scott and has already attracted more than 350 signatures.
In the petition, Mr Scott said: “For many years, the local boxing club has been more than just a gym; it has been a sanctuary, a cradle of growth, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals in our community.
“This club, renowned not only for its rigorous training programmes but also for its community-centric approach, has welcomed children and adults of all races and ages.”
He added that the club has played a vital role in supporting people with troubled pasts, while also offering inclusive sessions for people with disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.
“Furthermore, the club’s legacy is highlighted by the fact that it was where the late Ricky Hatton began his illustrious boxing career,” the petition states. “The prospect of closing this venerable institution deeply troubles us, as it will strip away an essential component of our area’s identity.”
Campaigners are now calling on local decision makers, community leaders and potential partners to explore ways of keeping the club open, rather than allowing it to disappear.
The online petition urges stakeholders to consider funding options and partnerships to protect what supporters describe as a vital community resource.
Hyde & District Amateur Boxing Club continues to operate from its Ward Street base while the campaign gathers momentum. More information about the club can be found on its Facebook page.